A tender has been released for a major safety and connectivity upgrade at one of Alice Springs’ busiest intersections.
Schwarz Crescent will undergo an upgrade to create a new four-way signalised intersection with Smith Street and the Stuart Highway.
This will provide safer access and improve traffic flow for motorists, pedestrians and freight operators, with construction expected to begin in February 2027 and be completed by February 2028.
One of Alice Springs’ busiest intersections is a step closer to being upgraded, with the construction tender now open to upgrade the Stuart Highway and Schwarz Crescent intersection.
Jointly funded by the Finocchiaro and Albanese Governments, the upgrade will improve pedestrian safety at the key intersection connecting Alice Springs’ eastern suburbs with the town centre, while supporting access to St Philip’s College and local businesses.
The upgrade will include:
Realigning Schwarz Crescent further north to create a new four-way signalised intersection with Smith Street and the Stuart Highway.Installing controlled pedestrian crossings in all directions at the new traffic lights, providing a safer crossing point, particularly for school students.Closing the existing section of Schwarz Crescent adjacent to the Stuart Highway.
Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure, Treasurer and Member for Namatjira Bill Yan said the upgrade responded to community concerns and delivered an important safety improvement for people who use this intersection every day.
“Our government has listened to the community, and we are getting on with making this intersection safer and more efficient for the people who use it every day,” Minister Yan said.
“This upgrade will make it safer for motorists to turn through the intersection, reduce vehicle queuing during peak periods, and improve pedestrian access across the Stuart Highway – making it easier for residents, local businesses and freight to get where they need to go.
“The works form part of the CLP Government’s significant investment in Territory roads, with Budget 2026-27 delivering more than $2 billion in key transport infrastructure projects to improve safety, reliability, and access across the Territory.”
Member for Braitling and Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the project would deliver a much-needed improvement for Alice Springs residents.
“We know this is an important crossing point for students and families, particularly those travelling to and from St Philip’s College, and the new traffic lights will provide a safer and more controlled way to cross the Stuart Highway,” he said.
“This project will help keep traffic moving more smoothly, making everyday trips easier for residents and providing a more reliable route for local businesses.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Australian Government, in partnership with the NT Government, was committed to delivering this crucial investment for central Australia.
“This major upgrade of the Stuart Highway, Schwarz Crescent and Smith Street intersection will ensure both motorists and heavy vehicle operators can safely navigate the area for years to come which is a great outcome for traffic in Alice Springs,” she said.
Federal Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said these works would make a real difference for people living in Alice Springs and for everyone who travels through this important intersection.
“The Albanese Government contributed $9.6 million toward the total cost of the Stuart Highway and Schwarz Crescent intersection upgrade,” she said.
“The Albanese Government is committed to improving road safety and providing reliable transport infrastructure. This is essential for keeping communities connected, whether you’re travelling across town, between regional centres or accessing essential services.
“For families, students, local businesses and freight operators, having a safer and more efficient intersection will make everyday journeys easier and more predictable.”
Work is already underway, with a detailed design contract and an early works contract to relocate overhead powerlines at the intersection both awarded to territory contractors, Byrne Consultants and MG Electrical Services.
Most of this work has been completed, with the remainder to be undertaken in conjunction with the major intersection upgrade works.
